Keegan Bradley, the 2011 PGA Championship champion, is very familiar with the Black Course at Bethpage State Park. In an interview ahead of the Barclays, the Vermont native admitted he used to sneak onto the course during his college days at nearby St. John's University.

This week, he will take major delight in the site. He knows where the superintendent's office is near the third tee because that is where the St. John's players used to park, far from the clubhouse so as not to attract attention while the course was closed to the public. "I get in trouble for saying that. My coach called me and said to stop talking about that," Bradley said, sheepishly, at a tournament recently. "But it was awesome."

So you didn't hear it from him. And it is confidential when he admits, "We played inside the road, which is 3 through 14." Credit the resourcefulness of St. John's coach Frank Darby, the former head pro at Nissequogue Golf Club, for finding the best spots.

The more I read about Keegan, the more I like him. Even though he's an exceptional golfer who belongs to exclusive golf clubs and country clubs now that he's a major champion, he comes across as your average municipal course golfer. Not many people would admit sneaking onto a course as famous as Bethpage because it doesn't portray the right image. But, Keegan doesn't seem to be interested in coming across as anything other than the regular guy he really is, which is cool.

SpaceMaNy0 says:While if any of us admitted to this, the course would likely come after us for stealing green fees.

8/23/12

Banker85 says:lighten up space... I have thought about doing this at a private course here in Indiana, I could get on at the road and and get off when it comes to the otherside, just gotta find the right parking spot.

8/23/12

Duke of Hazards says:since SpaceMan is a dead ringer for Keegs from a distance, they'd probably shake their head and say 'there he goes again, that crazy kid' (or something).

8/23/12

SpaceMaNy0 says:I can get you on at a private course in Indiana. 20 bucks. Let me know.

8/24/12

Banker85 says:Youche Country Club, Crown Point IN... make it happen! :)

8/24/12

SpaceMaNy0 says:Knollwood Country Club, South Bend, IN.... I work there.